Big Sports Tech Deals Right Now! The Garmin Epix Gen2 is on sale right now for a staggering $549USD, roughly $300 off, and the Titanium edition just $50 more! And, it also got a big slate of new features this past week. Alongside that, there’s big discounts on the Apple Watch Series 9, Polar, Samsung Galaxy Watch6, and a pile of other Garmin watches including the Forerunner 255, 955, and Instinct 2 series. Full updated list here!
I’m DC RAINMAKER…
I swim, bike and run. Then, I come here and write about my adventures. It’s as simple as that. Most of the time. If you’re new around these parts, here’s the long version of my story.
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Smart Trainers Buyers Guide: Looking at a smart trainer this winter? I cover all the units to buy (and avoid) for indoor training. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
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FAQ’s
I have built an extensive list of my most frequently asked questions. Below are the most popular.
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In Depth Product Reviews
You probably stumbled upon here looking for a review of a sports gadget. If you’re trying to decide which unit to buy – check out my in-depth reviews section. Some reviews are over 60 pages long when printed out, with hundreds of photos! I aim to leave no stone unturned.
Read My Sports Gadget Recommendations.
Here’s my most recent GPS watch guide here, and cycling GPS computers here. Plus there are smart trainers here, all in these guides cover almost every category of sports gadgets out there. Looking for the equipment I use day-to-day? I also just put together my complete ‘Gear I Use’ equipment list, from swim to bike to run and everything in between (plus a few extra things). And to compliment that, here’s The Girl’s (my wife’s) list. Enjoy, and thanks for stopping by!
Have some fun in the travel section.
I travel a fair bit, both for work and for fun. Here’s a bunch of random trip reports and daily trip-logs that I’ve put together and posted. I’ve sorted it all by world geography, in an attempt to make it easy to figure out where I’ve been.
My Photography Gear: The Cameras and Equipment I Use Daily
The most common question I receive outside of the “what’s the best GPS watch for me” variant, are photography-esq based. So in efforts to combat the amount of emails I need to sort through on a daily basis, I’ve complied this “My Photography Gear” post for your curious minds! It’s a nice break from the day to day sports-tech talk, and I hope you get something out of it!
The Swim/Bike/Run Gear I Use List
Many readers stumble into my website in search of information on the latest and greatest sports tech products. But at the end of the day, you might just be wondering “What does Ray use when not testing new products?”. So here is the most up to date list of products I like and fit the bill for me and my training needs best! DC Rainmaker 2023 swim, bike, run, and general gear list. But wait, are you a female and feel like these things might not apply to you? If that’s the case (but certainly not saying my choices aren’t good for women), and you just want to see a different gear junkies “picks”, check out The Girl’s Gear Guide too.
1 – Fenix3 for sure
2 – Something around 228 974 steps (+/-5)
The Garmin Vivioactive because it is light, thin, it seems to be the best watch in the price range, and Garmin has a wonderful reputation.
133,782 steps
1. Fenix 3. Shame I brought he f2.
2. 157754 steps.
1 – Fitbit Surge
1 – 123 400
1. Garmin Fenix 3: It’s got all I need in a watch
2. 184.235 steps
1) Sensoria Socks as a concept
2) 254365 steps
1. Fenix3
2. 456789 steps
1. Looking forward to finding the accuracy of the HR on the FitBit Charge HR. Daily calories utilizing HR would be a godsend for activity tracking.
2. 136,001
I need that 360 degree action cam.
And I´m guessing 139.673 steps
1) I would like the fitbit surge because it will track my heart rate and it is a beautifully designed watch that I can use everyday.
2) 187196
a) I’m excited about connectIQ! Looks like it will be a lot more interesting than apps for suunto. Mainly because there are (I’m guessing…) more garmin users than suunto users. More users -> more apps -> more good apps.
b) 154 831 steps is my magic number!
1) Definetely, Fenix 3
2) 142 354 steps
1) GARMIN FENIX3 – Latest features in a awesome package. With Garmin, you can’t go wrong.
2) 157,951 steps
1. I have putted the Fenix 3 on my wish list.
2. 82,103 steps
1. Fenix 3
2. 400,000
1) Garmin Epix, the most useful gadget for adventure races
2) 211723
1. Garmin Vivoactive or Fenix 3
2. 194368 steps
1) The Epix, a real screen in a “Casio” casing that I love the look of with all the 920 functionality and then some.
2) 325 000, you guys seem to forget that Ray doesn’t sleep. Ever.
1. Fenix 3
2. 189,456
1) Most excited about the Fenix 3 and the Epix watches.
2) 148,876 steps.
1. Fenix 3. Just sold the 2…
2. 222,222 steps.
1) 4iiiis Power Meter
2) 237647
1.) Garmin Fenix 3
2.) 138 000 steps
Hi Ray,
1- Fenix 3
2- 280 000 steps
1) garmin vivoactive and looking at the new fitness trackers.
2) 237 000 steps.
vivoactve
126,543
1) ConnectIQ
2) 231 342 steps
1. Fenix 3 – the perfect cool looking (finally) all-around watch
2. 185763
Steps: 176157 (average of first 119 comments :))
exited about fenix 3 (because of looks and features of 920xt) and 4iii power meter (because of price)
1) Fenix 3; looks great with a ton of features
2) 308.947 steps
The Yoga Mat looks a great idea for those of us who know we need to get more flexible but aren’t flexible enough time-wise to commit to classes!
163,789 steps (!)
Hello, the fenix3 looks amazing.
118454 steps.
Ciao Ray,
1) Fenix 3, wonderful with the Sapphire glass
2) 140,000 steps
Thank-you for the CES report…
84,000 steps
Actually most excited about the footpod support for the M400. Bought it in December and it’s a great bit of kit, all the better for this addition. Polar are doing good things currently!
281102 steps. 🙂
The Garmin Epix could be a great device, wondering how it shakes out in real life!
102,030 steps
1. The new vivoactive is amazing, very cool!
2. My guess is 210 000 steps
I like look of the Fenix 3.
I guess 250,000 steps.
1) 4iiii’s Precision Power Meter, because it was born in the box
2) 83333
1) The possibilities ConnectIQ provides
2) 183,167 steps
1) Fenix3
2) 188 888
1. It would either be the Garmin Vivoactive or the Epix can’t decide which I want more. What the hell I will go with the active
2. My guess is 320000 steps
1 – vivioactive – smart and beautiful
2 – 190456
1. I’m interested in products for the new sport of indoor 140.6 racing.
2. 177,778
1) Fenix 3 really caught my eye.
2) 184 567 steps.
Have a good year!!!!
Really excited about the Fenix 3. Currently thinking about dumping my Ambit2S and get a Fenix.
Steps: 119350
1 Garmin Vivoactive!!!
2 177000 steps
Got to be the Garmin Vivoactive
174,763 steps
1. I’m most excited about Garmin Fenix 3 because it almost feets my needs (why HR strap instead of optical HR 😉
2. 109200 steps during 7 days
Garmin Fenix 3 so far looks very interesting for triathlon.
93500
1. Very interested in the Fenix 3 to replace my not so old Forerunner 620….. consumer society …they surely how to kkep us buying 🙁 2015 we have GPS + GLONASS watches….2016 we will have GPS + GLONASS + GALILEO watches……
2. 135,503 steps
1) Fitbit Charge HR – an activity trainer which includes stair climbing and optical heart rate
2) 156474 steps
fenix 3 or garmin 920xt as i need a new watch prior to im melbourne.
Guessing big at 175,000 steps.
fenix 3
24567 steps
Garmin Fenix 3 is everything I’m currently looking for.
164,223 steps
1. Garmin Epix. Really interesting mapping functions
2. 180000 steps
1. Interested in the Garmin vivoactive
2. 302461 steps
1. I like the Garmin Fenix 3, also the Epix
2. 223023 steps
1 – Fenix 3 baybay! It’s already making my Fenix 2 jealous!
2 – 200,000 – because I have a feeling you’d go the extra step for an nice round number.
Thanks Ray!
1) Fenix 3 – to update my training tools and have a wearable everyday watch.
2) 129,486
Fenix 3
194,120
1) Most excited about the Garmin Vivoactive.
2) 234.783 steps
I’m excited about 4iiii because it can push power meter prices way down (hopefully).
My estimate: 65343 steps
1) Dash – packs a boatload of innovative features
2)140000 steps
1. Fitbit Surge because I’m desperately waiting for it
2. 164256 steps
1) Connect IQ – I’m developing apps for the 920xt and would just love to add the fenix3 to the stack.
2) 350.000 steps
1) Most existed about the 4iiii’s Precision Power Meter, interesting price point and product. The market needs more of these!
2) 181 097
1. fenix 3…great fitness tracking and it actually looks like a nice watch!!
2. 222,999 steps
1) The new Fenix 3
2) 151.000 steps!
1. 4iiii Precision, power meter rules!
2. 118 317 steps
The dash, because there aren’t amy real sport bluetooth in-ear headphones out there and I am desperatly searching for some.
113874 steps
1.) Fenix 3
2.) 327.500
The Fenix 3 looks really great, I want to give it a try.
My guess is 162 435 steps
1) I’m most exited about the Garmin Vivoactive GPS smartwatch. Mostly because it all sounds to good to be true at the given price point! I might consider it to replace my 310XT somewhere in the near future.
2) 156000 steps
I’m still interested in having a go on a BSX Insight blood lactate sensor, seems like a much more solid testing method than the traditional blood testing, even if their raw sensor data is a bit noisy!
I’ll go for 260,005 steps, but including running I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s higher.
Vivoactive – Looks likes a nice blend of sport and smart watch with activity tracker.
125,600 Steps
1) fenix3! I have fenix1 and love it so much. Just gotta get a new version!
2) 188,721 steps, I am sure.
1) Garmin fenix 3, it has everything I would need
2) 151500
1) 4iiii precision, can’t wait for your review!
2) I’m OBVIOUSLY sure it’s 212 298 steps
4iiii Precision – a potential step change in the PM market!
My guess: 174430
1. Fenix 3 looks really nice
2. 196842
1) Ampstrip – availability in EU and
the update to M400, has just ordered mine and waiting for delivery.
2) 195342 steps
1. Garmin Fenix 3 please!
2. 164240
I’m very excited about Garmin Vivoactive, I look forward to understand how it delivers in real life. However the coming of Phone notifications to the Polar M400, made that device very appealing at that price tag.
My guest: 212 450
1 Fenix 3
2 232154
1) 4iii Precision, opefully with reasonable European price
2) 152856 steps
1. Fenix 3: 920xt + navigation!
2. 140,828 steps.
1) Definitely connectIQ
2) 205137 steps (give or take a few ten thousands)
1) I very interested in the Fenix3 since it includes all the features I need to monitor my daily activities. Also, I believe that integration with Connect IQ apps will be very useful.
2) 238000
AmpStrip og Fenix3 looks very interesting to me.
My guess 142635 steps
Thanks for the great work.
1) Epix. The Fenix 3 is great and I’ll probably look to pick one up in the future but the Epix looks like the start of an awesome new line of products.
2) 156789
1) Interested in the Epix – might the Oregon with Fenix marriage really work?
2) 112385
1. garmin epix
2. 312,453 steps
1- I love the new fenix 3
2- I guess 78923 steps
Vivoactive
263505
1.) Garmin Epix
2.) 213,647 steps
1) Fenix3 looks awsom
2) 133315
1. Dash
2. 132,132
1. Last week it was the 920XT; now maybe the Fenix3?
2. 180,000
24×7 accurate optical HR with lasting battery or else F3 with such option.
Completely stop yourself when you hit the 180.810 steps figure. Wherever you are. If you do not reach it, go running. Whatever it takes but hit that number and make me happy 🙂
Thanks for your great reviews.
1 year with my Loop but need to add a GPS to it for my daily 5:30am 5km run.
Want something light. Garmin Vivoactive or Polar M400 (+ Scosche Rhythm+)…
175016 steps